Here at Parker Towing, our experts wanted to pass along a few quick tips to avoid a car break down this summer. Nobody wants to get stuck on the side of the road due to car troubles, especially if you’re on a fun summer outing or road trip. Just keeping in mind and inspecting a few simple things can help you to avoid the most common car issues and keep your car engine running smoothly.

Fluid Levels

Just as with the human body, a car engine needs a good level of all its fluids to function properly. They should also be fresh and clean. Be sure to check the fluids regularly including engine oil, transmission, power steering, brake, cooling system and washer fluids. If they are slightly low, top them off and if they look dirty, or the recommended time has passed, change them out for fresh fluid.

Don’t Let It Overheat

Particularly in hot areas, overheating is one of the leading causes of preventable breakdowns. An overheated engine is also extremely expensive, and preventative maintenance beforehand is much cheaper. Once your antifreeze gets to be a couple of years old, replace it. You can also add a coolant to your radiator that can lower the engine’s temperature by 30 degrees. Always keep a close eye on the temperature gauge, especially when it’s scorching out, and immediately stop if you see it climbing an unusual amount.

Oil Upgrade

High-performance synthetic oils are better at dispersing heat than mineral-based motor oils and thus are another way to help keep your engine cooler. The few extra dollars that you have to spend on high-quality oil are really worth it in comparison to an engine blowing up and needing to call for a tow.

Check Belts and Hoses

Get in the habit of inspecting your belts and hoses every time you check the fluid levels. Any belts or hoses that are loose, or harder or softer than normal, or have visible signs of wear should be replaced immediately. Also, don’t forget to check the hose clamps to make sure they are tight and not cracking or showing signs of corrosion.

Inflate your Tires Properly

You can check on the side of your tire for the proper pressure level that your particular tires should have. Then check all your tires, including the spare, to ensure that they are at the right air pressure levels. A properly inflated tire not only helps with getting good gas mileage but is less likely to blow out, and will generally live longer – saving you money in the process.

If you follow all these tips to avoid a car break down this summer, it’s much less likely that you’ll get stuck on the side of the road with car trouble. Of course, it’s sometimes unavoidable. And if you ever find yourself stuck, just give us a call. Our professionals here at Parker Towing are friendly and will do their best to make your day a little better by taking care of both you and your vehicle.

If your car is stuck near Parker, Colorado, first call Parker Towing. Then remember this list of what to do and not do while waiting for a tow truck. Whether mechanical failure or even an accident, you will probably have to wait for help to arrive. Depending on your proximity to the tow truck company, or even how busy the day is for the tow truck company, knowing this information will help you stay safe.

What to Do

Get out of the road. If you are still able to move your vehicle, it’s a good idea to get it off the road as much as possible, especially if you are blocking traffic. Of course, other drivers will slow down or stop if they see a car blocking the road, but that only works if they see it in time. Your window of safety closes quickly in inclement weather or on an icy road. Better to get your vehicle as much out of the way as possible, even if you have to push it by hand.

Turn on the hazard lights. Even if it’s still light out and you think that other drivers can easily see what is going on, do everything you can to warn them, including turning on the hazard lights. Again, that doesn’t guarantee that other drivers will see you in time–but it does help quite a bit.

Get out of harm’s way. Depending on the location of your vehicle, it could be safer for you to stay inside with your seatbelt on, or get out and remain a safe distance off the road. Be very careful, watching for cars, and position yourself so that you are out of harm’s way.

What Not to Do

Don’t flag down a ride. Most people that stop to offer you a ride probably have pure intentions and do want to help, but not everyone. Help is already on the way, so you don’t need a ride. It’s best to stay where you are and wait for the professionals to arrive.

Don’t forget about your stuff. If you decide to wait outside your car, it’s a good idea to take your purse, wallet, cell phone, insurance information, and anything else of value with you. This will guarantee that you don’t lose your stuff. Even if you decide to wait in the car, be sure to gather your things while waiting, so it is with you at all times.

Don’t put yourself in harm’s way. Don’t ever step out of your vehicle into traffic. Your safety is worth more than whatever you might be trying to do. Even if the road looks clear, remember that traffic can be coming at you at incredibly high speeds.

Now that you know what to do and not do while waiting for a tow truck, we hope you stay safe! Of course, Parker Towing is always here to help with 24/7 roadside assistance in Castle Rock, Aurora, Lone Tree, Centennial, Highlands Ranch, Littleton, Franktown, Elizabeth.

Have you ever asked yourself “what do I do if I’m stuck in my car during a blizzard?” Do you know the answer to that question? As long-time business owners and members of the Denver area community, here at Parker Towing Inc., we want to make sure that our neighbors know what to do in this situation. This knowledge is potentially life-saving.

Survival Kit

The first step to surviving a blizzard in a car is to be prepared beforehand. It doesn’t take up much space in the back of your vehicle to have a few items always on hand anytime you will engage in winter driving. Grab a duffel and fill it with the following items:

Sleeping bag or blankets

Extra warm clothes such as coats, hats, gloves, boots, fuzzy socks

Even just a few granola bars can at least hold you over until the storm stops or help comes. Just be sure you don’t snack on them without refilling or let items expire

A couple of bottles of water or a metal container in which you can melt snow

Candles and matches to provide a little heat and some light, plus a way to melt snow

Flashlight & signal light

A small or foldable shovel to dig out your tailpipe or vehicle

It doesn’t take much to have these things on hand at all times, and if you ever get stuck in your car in a blizzard, you won’t be able to thank yourself enough. They can even mean the difference between life and death depending on how long you are stuck there (and how cold it gets).

Survival Steps

Now that you’re prepared, you should also know what to do. If you get stuck in the snow and you don’t see any buildings nearby it’s best to stay in your car. Wandering around in the middle of a snowstorm is the last thing you should do. Next steps:

Check your tailpipe to ensure that exhaust can freely escape and carbon monoxide is not building up inside your car – use your shovel to clear snow

Don’t leave your car running continuously for heat, even with constantly checking the tailpipe you still risk carbon monoxide buildup and the last thing you want is to run out of gas

Bundle up in your extra clothes and do a few exercises inside the vehicle every so often to help keep yourself warm

Make sure to stay hydrated as that will help you keep warm – if you don’t have bottled water in the car, use your candles to melt some snow

Turn on your hazard lights or put out some roadside flares so other drivers can see you

Now that you know what to do if you’re stuck in your car during a blizzard, the only thing left is what happens afterward. Once the snow clears a bit, and there is better visibility, you may be able to proceed on your own. However, as is often the case with blizzards, your car may be too buried to get it out on your own. In that case, just call the friendly professionals here at Parker Towing to get you back on the road again safely. Be safe out there everyone!

The professionals at Parker Towing offer this handy guide to safe winter driving checklist because winter driving doesn’t have to be dangerous or scary. It’s all about being adequately prepared for what may happen and knowing what to check before heading out in your vehicle. Ultimately, it can mean the difference between ending up stranded on the side of the road and safely arriving at your destination.

It’s a good idea to get yourself into the habit of checking many of the automotive items listed below whenever you head out driving, especially for a long road trip. However, during the winter it is even more important as what could be a rather minor annoyance in the summer can quickly turn into a major problem when there is snow and ice on the ground up in Colorado’s mountains. Even the fact that you may have to deal with car trouble when it is freezing cold is annoying enough.

Heater/Defroster: The heater is indispensable for comfort and the defroster for the windows.

Wiper blade antifreeze: without it, you might have fluid, but it still doesn’t come out.

Lights: all lights should always be in good working order.

Fuel System and Full Tank of Gas: a no brainer. You should always have more gas than you think you will need.

Ignition: you want a car that starts when you turn the key.

Exhaust System: proper ventilation is important.

Tire Tread: particularly important for the vehicle to be able to maneuver ice and snow effectively.

This second checklist is a good list of items to have on hand in case there is a roadside emergency. Being prepared for the worst will give you a huge advantage in a situation of urgency. Be sure you always have these items in your vehicle.

Flare/Reflectors: use these to warn other drivers and to show that you need help.

Snow shovel: or anything that can be utilized effectively to remove snow

A battery or crank radio: in case you need to hear emergency broadcasts

You can even throw in a deck of cards or a board game in case of a long wait

If you have any questions about anything in this guide to safe winter driving checklist, feel free to call us here at Parker Towing. We are a family owned and operated business and we are dedicated to taking care of you and your family the way we would ours. And while we hope you won’t ever be in a situation where you need our services, we’re just a phone call away if you do.

For car owners, understanding Colorado towing laws is important. Nobody wants to be taken advantage of by a shady towing company. Unfortunately, few drivers know what protections are available to them. Parker Towing Inc. wants to familiarize our customers and neighbors with the laws that are in place to protect you from unscrupulous companies looking to make easy money.

You know that you shouldn’t leave your car in a no parking zone, but just about everyone does it once in a while. So, if you decide to leave your car where you shouldn’t and don’t make it back as quickly as you thought, you might come back to the unpleasant sight of your vehicle being hooked up to a truck and on its way out – or maybe it’s already gone altogether.

Most of the time when a tow truck company picks up a car, they’re within their rights. However, there are protocols that the company must follow. Read through this list of laws so that if you find yourself in a sticky situation, understanding Colorado towing laws can help you protect yourself and your wallet.

Nonconsensual Towing

Colorado has laws governing what a towing company can charge for a non-consensual tow, which is the type of tow that happens when you leave your car in a no parking zone. The maximum they can charge is $160 not including fuel and mileage surcharges or storage fees. Those fees are capped as well at $2.60 for fuel and $3.80 per mile (with a 12 mile maximum) and $30 a day for storage – all of which are for a vehicle under 10,000 pounds. So, you’re looking at about $240 max if you retrieve your car on day one.

Credit Cards

This is a newer law, but it is in effect. Previously, towing companies did not have to accept credit cards and didn’t like doing it because of the possibility that a disgruntled car owner might attempt to reverse charges through their credit card company. However, Colorado law now requires that they accept credit cards as payment. If you get the cash only speech, don’t fall for it.

Drop Fees

This is imperative to know. If you arrive and discover that your car is about to be towed away, you might try to reason with the driver to not follow through on the tow now that you’re present. Some deceitful drivers will tell you that it’s too late and you’ll have to pick your car up from the tow yard later.

Colorado law, however, requires the company to give you the option of simply paying a drop fee (that has a maximum of $70). Many people don’t know that they can insist on this and end up with a whole lot more out of pocket expenses than just $70 – cash or credit card.

Getting Permission

There have been many stories about towing companies fishing for cars to impound by driving through private lots, such as apartment building complexes, looking for vehicles that shouldn’t be there. This is not legal – in fact, they must have permission from the owner of a private lot before they can tow.

If you are unsure about any of this information and understanding Colorado towing laws, feel free to call us here at Parker Towing Inc., and one of our friendly representatives will be glad to help. And of course, if you ever find yourself stranded on the side of the road, we’re available to help 24.7.

Snow is just part of winter in our area of the country, and those native to Colorado have probably already had a fair amount of practice driving in it. However, Parker Towing Inc. would like to offer these safe driving tips for visitors to Colorado. We want everyone to enjoy a safe winter season, and these are good reminders even for experienced drivers.

Slow down

Maybe it’s a pain, but leave a little early and give yourself more time. When there is snow on the ground, it is not the time to pull out your best Fast and Furious moves. They will only get you crash-landed in a ditch, or worse.

Don’t overestimate SUVs

Many drivers think that SUVs are immune to problems in the snow and don’t drive them judiciously. Take the same precautions that you would in a car, or you will probably find yourself bottoms up as SUVs are very prone to rollovers.

Don’t slam on the brakes

Slamming on the brakes is not helpful in a slide. With standard brakes, you should pump them gently and if you have good anti-lock brakes just hold a steady pressure.

Black ice exists, and it is worse on bridges

Sometimes people disregard ice warnings because they can’t see it on the road. That doesn’t mean that it isn’t there. You may find it the hard way if you’re not driving carefully. Also, bridge warning signs aren’t just there to give a city worker a job. Bridges are slicker than the rest of the road, so take extra care with them.

Don’t use your high beams

When visibility is low, it might feel natural to flip on the high beams to help you see. However, high beams just end up blinding you as the extra light is reflected back into your eyes by the white snow. It’s better just to use your low beams and slow down a bit more if you can’t see well.

Don’t turn suddenly

Sudden moves are the best way to get yourself started into a skid. If you are unfamiliar with the area, then slow down to find the street you need to turn onto to get where you’re going. If you find it too late, don’t turn suddenly. Continue and turn around at the next safe spot. It will be better getting to your destination a little later than not getting there at all.

Always be ready

On snowy, icy roads your vehicle can end up in a skid at almost any time. The best advice is to remain calm and try to steer into the direction you want to go. Use your brakes lightly or not at all until you have pulled out of the skid.

Of course, we prefer that everyone stay safe out on snowy roads. That’s why we have offered these safe driving tips for visitors to Colorado. However, if you do find yourself stuck in a ditch or with a crinkled car, you can always call the friendly professionals at Parker Towing Inc., and we will be there with a smile to help you out.

If your vehicle betrays you on a lonely stretch of road, particularly at night or in the hard rain or snow, you will be happy to know that you have a friend in the towing service in Lone Tree, Colorado. Here at Parker Towing Inc. we have been faithfully serving our neighbors and getting them out of sticky situations since 1984. Our family owned and operated business is small and personable, and we treat people as we would want treatment. We know that it’s no fun to be trapped in the situation that you’re in, and you want a towing service in Lone Tree that is sensitive to that and not out to take advantage of your misfortune.

Our towing service in Lone Tree is licensed, bonded and insured for our customers’ peace of mind. You’ve already had a bad day; we don’t want anything else to go wrong for you. We can help you out with literally any vehicle from motorcycles to other tow trucks so don’t hesitate to give us a call when you are in need of a towing service near Lone Tree. We’ll get you somewhere safe quickly and efficiently.

When looking for a top-notch 24 hours a day 7 days a week towing service in Castle Rock, Colorado, there is only one company to call. Here at Parker Towing Inc., our family has been running a reputable and trustworthy company for over 30 years. That’s right! Since 1984 we have been providing a stellar towing service in Castle Rock, and we have an extensive list of satisfied customers to show for all our hard work. Our reputation in the community is stellar. We always strive to offer the best in customer service and perform our job quickly, efficiently and competently to get you and your vehicle to a safe location after a breakdown, or get you out of that snowy or muddy ditch after an unfortunate run-in with the side of the road.

In addition to towing service in Castle Rock, we also offer various types of roadside assistance. Everything from something as simple as a jump start or tire change up to impounds, and winch-outs. Our trucks are capable of hauling everything from motorcycles and small vehicles up to moving vans and even other tow trucks! If you need road help, we’re the ones to call.

We know that the subject of towing in Castle Rock, Colorado is probably not your favorite topic. In fact, it’s probably something that you don’t ever want to have to think about, ever. But the reality of life is that sometimes our vehicles let us down and stop working for whatever horrible, unknown reason, and we need to find in a hurry a good company that offers towing in Castle Rock, Colorado.

The good news is that Parker Towing Inc. is one such company and even though we are small and family owned we are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We know that misfortune doesn’t have a work week and is capable of striking at any time so we are prepared at any time to battle its effects. Just give us a call and we will send one of our friendly professionals to get your unresponsive vehicle to your home or a nearby garage so that you can get back on the road again as quickly as possible. So whenever you’re stuck and looking for towing in Castle Rock Colorado, remember to give us a call. We guarantee that you won’t be sorry!

When you are in the somewhat vulnerable position of being stuck on the side of the road because your vehicle has broken down then you will want a tow truck company in Aurora that will come to the rescue and put you at ease. You want to know that the people you are calling are trustworthy and will get you and your vehicle to a safer, less vulnerable place as quickly as possible. Luckily for you such a company exists and we have a proven track record to show just how trustworthy we are. Parker Towing Inc. has been operating as a tow truck company in the Aurora area for over 30 years. We are a small, family-owned and operated company, and so we are able to keep close track of our employees and send you only a friendly face in your time of need.

We’re available 24 hours a day 7 days a week and we will come rain or shine. In fact, when it’s snowing we are on full alert and available to make sure that our neighbors get home safely during somewhat nasty conditions. So for a tow truck company in Aurora, we’re the ones to call.